How to apply makeup when you have rosacea?

Before considering how to conceal rosacea with makeup, it's crucial to understand it better. As a reminder, rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that affects the face, primarily the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. It's mainly characterized by the presence of a widespread and extensive redness, rosacea also causes the dilation of small blood vessels in the face, making them visible. Other symptoms often accompany rosacea, such as hot flashes, skin hypersensitivity, as well as burning sensations and tingling around the affected areas.

The causes of this dermatological disorder are still poorly identified, however, several ongoing studies have shown that certain factors could be responsible for rosacea flare-ups. These include hereditary predisposition, parasitic colonization, heat, sunlight, stress, or a certain diet. These various elements, apart from genetics, are capable of activating receptors present in the epidermis, which have nociceptive and/or inflammatory roles. It has thus been shown that exposure to one or more of the factors mentioned above contributes to promoting hot flashes, redness, and feelings of irritation experienced by individuals affected by rosacea.

This skin disease tends to progress over time and operates in cycles. Thus, symptoms manifest for weeks or months, then may disappear before reappearing more intensely. Indeed, while rosacea initially causes redness, more severe symptoms can emerge over time, such as red pimples filled with pus, significant skin thickening, or even eye involvement. Four subtypes of rosacea have been identified:

• Vascular rosacea or telangiectasia.

  This is the most common form of rosacea. It primarily induces hot flashes, temporary or permanent redness known as erythema, heightened skin sensitivity, and the dilation of vessels beneath the skin, becoming visible.

• Papulopustular rosacea.

  It is sometimes mistaken for acne due to the presence of red bumps, or even pustules, in addition to redness. Papulopustular rosacea is also accompanied by feelings of tightness and sensations of burning and discomfort.

• Hypertrophic Rosacea.

  This rare form is characterized by a thickening of the skin and a dilation of the skin pores of the nose, referred to as "rhinophyma". It is a major complication of rosacea, due to the aesthetic damage it causes. The skin thickening is sometimes associated with papulo-pustules and can extend to the rest of the face.

• The Ocular Rosacea.

  Rosacea sometimes affects the eyes. In such cases, patients exhibit redness of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, and dry eyes. Often, they also suffer from a persistent sensation of having sand in their eyes.

It is crucial to consult a dermatologist at the first signs of trouble. Mild rosacea can quickly lead to complications, particularly affecting the eyes.

A successful makeup application can help to diminish the most visible signs of rosacea. However, we do not recommend individuals suffering from severe forms of rosacea (papulopustular and hypertrophic rosacea) to apply makeup on their skin. In such cases, it is better to try to alleviate the symptoms with targeted treatments and allow the skin to "breathe".

Before applying any makeup, it is essential to prepare the skin by cleansing it with a gentle care product. For this, you can use our unifying cleansing gel. Enriched with niacinamide, it reduces redness while eliminating impurities on the skin's surface. After cleansing, it is necessary to properly hydrate the skin, whether rosacea makes it dry or oily. Applying a cream based on hyaluronic acid, for example, allows to nourish and hydrate the skin deeply, while protecting it against external aggressions. Don't forget to also use a SPF 50 sun protection to protect your skin and fight against rosacea flare-ups.

Once your skin is prepared, you can proceed to makeup application. Start by applying a primer. This acts as a barrier between your skin and the makeup, thus protecting the epidermis from additional irritation. It also ensures that your makeup stays in place all day. To conceal redness and other imperfections caused by rosacea, you can then follow up by using a green concealer. This color is complementary to red and helps to neutralize it. To even out your complexion, apply a liquid tinted moisturizer using a brush or a silicone sponge. Finally, you can use powder of the same shade as your foundation or a loose powder to mattify your skin.

Note : Rosacea makes the skin highly sensitive. Therefore, it is crucial to always use clean makeup applicators and regularly clean them to avoid any irritation.

• Thèse de Kelly ZAROUKIAN. Étude des aspects cliniques cellulaires et moléculaires de la rosacée, des traitements dermo-cosmétiques associés ainsi que de l’impact sur la qualité de vie des patients (2017).

• STEINHOFF M. & al. Recent advances in understanding and managing rosacea. F1000 Research (2018).

• AL-NIAIMI F. & al. Rosacea and diet: what is new in 2021? Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2021).